First Report of the Joint Exposure to Glyphosate and Glufosinate of a Male Population in the Province of Córdoba (Argentina).

Despite potential health implications, data on the presence of Glyphosate (GLY) and other non-GLY herbicides in human matrices remain scarce. This study aimed to develop a simple and cost-effective methodology for detecting and quantifying GLY, its primary biodegradation product; aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA); and glufosinate (GLU) in plasma and urine of environmentally and occupationally exposed populations from the province of Córdoba (Argentina). Different alternatives of pre-treatment, derivatization with FMOC-Cl, solid phase extraction, and final sample conditioning steps were evaluated to improve the quantification of the herbicides by a high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. Recoveries ranged from 39 to 84% in both matrices, while limits of quantification were 3, 1, and 0.3 ng/mL and 3.6, 5.1, and 0.3 ng/mL for AMPA, GLY, and GLU in plasma and urine, respectively. In plasma samples, GLY was the most frequently detected analyte (32%), followed by GLU (10%). In urine samples, GLU was the most frequently detected herbicide (13%), followed by GLY (6%). No differences between group or matrix correlations were found. This study is the first report of GLU in human biological matrices and should be used to establish baseline values for future surveillance systems.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Córdoba, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To study the trend of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, considering its spatiotemporal distribution and its association with the level of urbanisation in Córdoba, Argentina (2004-2014). METHODS: An ecological and longitudinal study was conducted in the province of Córdoba (the second most populated of the country) using annual data for the period 2004-2014. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR) (standard national and world population) by sex were calculated for Córdoba and its 26 departments for CRC using the provincial tumour registry database. Joinpoint regression models were adjusted to provincial ASIRs. Departments ASIRs were mapped in quintiles. The departments were grouped into three strata according to urbanisation: High (n1=6, >107,000 people); Intermediate (n2=13, 33,000-107,000 people); and Low (n3=7, <33,000 people). The spatio-temporal correlation analysis of the departments' rates was fulfilled using the multilevel modelling strategy. RESULTS: ASIRs of CRC in Córdoba province were 30.9 ±1.5 and 24.3 ±1.5 cases/100,000 for men and women, respectively. During 2004-2014, ASIRs tended to decrease (annual per cent change: -0.6; CI95% -1.8, 0.6). Maps reflected different geospatial patterns by sex. CRC incidence in males was higher than in females in all strata (high urbanisation, incidence rate ratios (IRR): 1.66; intermediate, IRR: 1.59; and low, IRR: 1.40). There was a significant downward temporary variation in the most populous departments (3% per year). CONCLUSIONS: CRC presents a non-random spatial pattern across the territory with a decreasing temporal variation in the most populous departments. Differential incidence and temporospatial tendency burden in Córdoba involve sex and urbanisation. Men continue to be the population at the greatest risk; this pattern is more noticeable in most urban settings.

The "diet model" and metabolic syndrome components: Results from the Cordoba Health and Dietary Habits Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Diet, one of the main risk factors for both metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is a multidimensional feature whose complexity relies on the individual and contextual characteristics of foods. The aim of this study was to build a "diet model" and estimate its relationship with MetS components in two Argentinian populations. METHODS: This was a population-based cross-sectional study that assessed bio-socio-anthropometrical variables and dietary habits using food frequency questionnaires. Dietary patterns (DPs) were drawn out using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore and confirm theoretical and empirical relationships between DPs and the diet model. The association between individuals' adherence to DPs and MetS were assessed using a multiple logistic regression analysis. We selected two cities in central Argentina according to socio-eco-environmental characteristics. Participants included 493 men and women (1:1 ratio) from 35 to 65 y of age. RESULTS: We identified four DPs: traditional Argentine (TA; processed meats, meats and eggs, fats, starchy vegetables), prudent (Pr; vegetables, fruits, milk, and yogurt), alcohol and snacks (AS), and sweets (S; candies and sodas). TA and AS DPs were associated with increased waist circumference. The S DP showed a strong effect on hypertension. Moderate adherence to the TA DP was positively associated with dyslipidemia but negatively with hypertension whenever individuals did not adhere to the AS DP. TA was positively correlated to AS and S, but inversely with Pr. CONCLUSION: This diet model integrated those food groups in an associative structure describing per se a synthesis of the Argentine dietary habits and their association with three of the five components of MetS.

Validation of exposure indexes to pesticides through the analysis of exposure and effect biomarkers in ground pesticide applicators from Argentina.

The characterization of the population exposed to pesticides and the use of effective biomarkers to evaluate potential health effects are determinant to identify vulnerable groups, understanding the causality of diverse pathologies and propose prevention policies. This is particularly important in countries where intensive agricultural practices had an explosive expansion in last decades. The aim of this study was assessing the usefulness of two exposure indexes questionnaire-based: Intensity Level of the pesticide Exposure (ILE) and Cumulative Exposure Index (CEI) and their scales, in terrestrial applicators of pesticide from the Province of Córdoba (Argentina). The analysis was performed contrasting ILE and CEI results with perceived symptomatology, in addition to effect and exposure biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was designed to compare pesticides body burdens and effect biomarkers between subjects occupationally (OE) and non-occupationally exposed (NOE) to pesticides. Prevalence of perceived symptomatology and genotoxicity damage was higher in the OE group. The exposure condition was the only variable explaining these differences. Significant associations were found between CEI and neurologic symptomatology (p < 0.05) and between ILE and plasmatic cholinesterase (p < 0.1). However, residues of HCB, ß-HCH, α-endosulfan, pp'DDE, endrin, ß-endosulfan, pp'DDT, endosulfan sulfate and mirex were found in blood samples from both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first report on pesticides body burdens in occupational exposure settings in Argentina. So far, our current results indicate that the occupational condition affects the health of the workers. Significant associations found between symptomatology and biomarkers with scales of CEI and ILE suggest their usefulness to verify different levels of exposure. Further research is necessary to propose these indexes as an affordable tool for occupational health surveillance in areas with difficult access to health care centres.

Reversal of SARS-CoV2-Induced Hypoxia by Nebulized Sodium Ibuprofenate in a Compassionate Use Program.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium ibuprofenate in hypertonic saline (NaIHS) administered directly to the lungs by nebulization and inhalation has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, with the potential to deliver these benefits to hypoxic patients. We describe a compassionate use program that offered this therapy to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: NaIHS (50 mg ibuprofen, tid) was provided in addition to standard of care (SOC) to hospitalized COVID-19 patients until oxygen saturation levels of > 94% were achieved on ambient air. Patients wore a containment hood to diminish aerosolization. Outcome data from participating patients treated at multiple hospitals in Argentina between April 4 and October 31, 2020, are summarized. Results were compared with a retrospective contemporaneous control (CC) group of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with SOC alone during the same time frame from a subset of participating hospitals from Córdoba and Buenos Aires. RESULTS: The evolution of 383 patients treated with SOC + NaIHS [56 on mechanical ventilation (MV) at baseline] and 195 CC (21 on MV at baseline) are summarized. At baseline, NaIHS-treated patients had basal oxygen saturation of 90.7 ± 0.2% (74.3% were on supplemental oxygen at baseline) and a basal respiratory rate of 22.7 ± 0.3 breath/min. In the CC group, basal oxygen saturation was 92.6 ± 0.4% (52.1% were on oxygen supplementation at baseline) and respiratory rate was 19.3 ± 0.3 breath/min. Despite greater pulmonary compromise at baseline in the NaIHS-treated group, the length of treatment (LOT) was 9.1 ± 0.2 gs with an average length of stay (ALOS) of 11.5 ± 0.3 days, in comparison with an ALOS of 13.3 ± 0.9 days in the CC group. In patients on MV who received NaIHS, the ALOS was lower than in the CC group. In both NaIHS-treated groups, a rapid reversal of deterioration in oxygenation and NEWS2 scores was observed acutely after initiation of NaIHS therapy. No serious adverse events were considered related to ibuprofen therapy. Mortality was lower in both NaIHS groups compared with CC groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of COVID-19 pneumonitis with inhalational nebulized NaIHS was associated with rapid improvement in hypoxia and vital signs, with no serious adverse events attributed to therapy. Nebulized NaIHS s worthy of further study in randomized, placebo-controlled trials (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04382768).

Pilot study of exposure of the male population to organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides in a region of high agricultural activity (Córdoba, Argentina).

Urinary metabolites of organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid (PYR) pesticides and biomarkers of effects were studied in a population (n=40) residing in an important agricultural area of the province of Córdoba (Argentina). Detection frequencies (DF) higher than 85% were observed for the metabolites of pirimiphos (2-diethylamino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol -DEAMPY-, median 7.5 µg/g creatinine, DF: 100%), parathion (p-nitrophenol, 0.99 µg/g creatinine, 100%), and chlorpyrifos (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, 0.25 µg/g creatinine, 85%). The DEAMPY concentrations doubled the levels found in other studies and were negatively associated with Er-AChE activity, suggesting the appearance of health effects already in environmental exposure levels below established acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid, the metabolite of several PYR pesticides, was also found in all samples. This metabolite was also significantly negatively correlated with Er-AChE, indicating effects of pyrethroid pesticides on the acetylcholine system even at concentrations below the ADI.

Obesidad central, sarcopenia y conductas sedentarias en el riesgo cardiovascular por score Framingham y área total de placa carotídea / Central Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Sedentary Behaviors Related to Cardiovascular Risk by Framingham Score and Total Carotid Plaque Area

Resumen Antecedentes: las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la principal causa de morbimortalidad mundial. La obesidad, sarcopenia, actividad física insuficiente y las conductas sedentarias impactan de manera sinérgica en el riesgo cardiovascular. Objetivo: evaluar el riesgo cardiovascular en relación con la actividad física, las conductas sedentarias y la composición corporal. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional transversal de 95 personas adultas de ambos sexos. Se determinó el riesgo cardiovascular mediante el score de Framingham y el score de Framingham corregido por área total de placa aterosclerótica; la composición corporal, por antropometría, bioimpedancia y dinamometría como indicador indirecto; y la actividad física y las conductas sedentarias, por cuestionario validado. Se condujeron análisis descriptivos, de correlación y asociación con un 95 % de confianza. Resultados: el 95 % de las mujeres y el 98 % de los varones presentaron riesgo cardiovascular elevado; el 51,5 %, obesidad; el 95,5%, obesidad central; y el 47,3 %, fuerza muscular disminuida. Se observaron asociaciones positivas significativas entre riesgo cardiovascular y circunferencia de cintura (rho=0,26; p=0,024). No hubo asociación significativa entre la fuerza muscular y el riesgo cardiovascular (rho=-0,21; p=0,065). La conducta sedentaria tuvo un efecto promotor del riesgo cardiovascular (OR=3,9; p=0,033). Conclusiones: la obesidad central y permanecer más de 6/h día en posición sedente son factores asociados al riesgo cardiovascular.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the principal cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Obesity, sarco-penia, insufficient physical activity, and sedentary behaviors synergistically impact cardiovascular risk. Objective: Evaluate cardiovascular risk in relation to physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and body composition. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study in 95 total males and females. Cardiovascular risk was determined using the Framingham score, which corrects for total area of atherosclerotic plaque. Risk was also determined using body composition, anthropometry, bioimpedance and dynamometry as indirect indicators, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and a validated questionnaire. Descriptive, correlation and association analyses were conducted with 95% confidence. Results: 95% of women and 98% of men presented with an elevated cardiovascular risk; 51.5% with obesity, 95.5% central obesity, and 47.3% with diminished muscular strength. Significant positive associations were observed between cardiovascular risk and waist circumference (rho=0.26; p=0.024). There was no significant association between muscle strength and cardiovascular risk (rho=-0.21, p=0.065). Sedentary behavior increased cardiovascular risk (OR=3.9; p=0.033). Conclusions: Central obesity and staying more than six hours per day in a sitting position are factors associated with cardiovascular risk.

Ibuprofen, a traditional drug that may impact the course of COVID-19 new effective formulation in nebulizable solution.

The traditional formulation of ibuprofen is poorly soluble in water, so the administered dose must be 10 times higher than the dose required for a therapeutic effect. The development of a hydrosoluble form of ibuprofen can be a strategy to reach a high concentration in the lungs by using modern inhalation devices. Therefore, the development of an inhalable formulation with high bioavailability in the lungs was the leitmotiv of our investigation. The hypertonic ibuprofen solution to be nebulized (NIH) presents great relevant characteristics: bactericidal, virucidal, mucolytic and has a known anti-inflammatory property. Bactericidal and virucidal effects are related to the physico-chemical properties of Na-ibuprofenate as an amphipathic molecule. It has the capability to insert into the bilayer membranes destabilizing the structure, altering its biological properties and avoiding the duplication or infection. Our preliminary results indicate that the presence of this high ionic strength solution reduces 10 times the amount of ibuprofen necessary to kill bacteria, but also the time to kill 1x106 bacteria, from 4 h (in its absence) to only three minutes (in its presence). That was observed using Pseudomona aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Burkholderia cepacia. Also, "in vitro'' ibuprofen demonstrated virucidal activity against the so-called enveloped virus, a family that includes coronavirus strain (2019-nCoV). We observed too, the markedly reduced local inflammation in the airways after administering NIH lays on its ability to inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase and to markedly diminish reactive oxygen species (ROS). Other investigators also showed the importance of actin in the rapid spread of virus infection. Furthermore, reorganization of the actin filaments is a key step in lung inflammation induced by systemic inflammatory responses caused by SARS-CoV-2. These findings suggest that the interaction between actin proteins and S1 is involved in the 2019-nCoV infection and pathogenesis. Consequently, the possibility of interfering in this interaction could represent a valid hypothesis for the development of promising therapeutic and prevention strategies. In conclusion, we consider that treating people with COVID-19 with NIH may be beneficial and an opportunity to contribute for the current global health emergency.

Increased carotid plaque burden in patients with family medical history of premature cardiovascular events in the absence of classical risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: The hypothesis that relates atherosclerosis to traditional risk factors (TRF) seems to be not as adequate as previously thought; other risk factors (RF) need to be considered to prevent atherosclerosis progression. Although a family medical history of premature cardiovascular events (FHx) has been considered the putative RF for decades, it has not been incorporated routinely into cardiovascular risk evaluation along with another RF. The objective of this study was to investigate whether FHx is associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden, measured as carotid total plaque area (TPA) in a population having no traditional RF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 4,351 primary care patients in Argentina. After excluding a personal history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and TRF: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking history, and body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/cm2, 34 patients with FHx were identified. Compared to 56 matched controls TPA was 86% higher in FHx patients (p < 0.05). A second analysis performed in hypertensive patients but no other TRF; 32 patients with FHx were identified. RESULTS: Compared with 44 matched controls, TPA was 77% higher in FHx patients (p < 0.05). A final analysis using a generalized linear model with TPA progression as the response variable suggests that TPA progresses more rapidly in FHx patients compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The FHx was associated with increased TPA burden and progression in the absence of other TRF. This supports ultrasound screening in FHx patients in order to detect high-risk patients who may benefit from early intervention.

Early Detection of Chronic Asymptomatic Chagas Infection.

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a chronic and systemic parasitic infection which has become a serious epidemiological problem not only in endemic regions (Latin America), but also in non-endemic ones like North America, Europe, and Oceania. Subjects with the indeterminate chagasic form (ICF), a chronic asymptomatic disease stage, are the main sources of non-vectorial dissemination through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and congenital transmission. It has been suggested that 94% of urban infections can be explained by these subjects. Under this scenario, the availability of simple and effective screening methods for ICF detection becomes crucial for both prevention of disease propagation and detection of clinical stages. Recently, a new non-invasive method has been proposed for ICF detection. It is based on surface high-resolution ECG and it could be easily adopted and included in modern ECG devices, overcoming the limitations of serological-based tests. The proposed method shows accuracy for early ICF screening, thus improving prognosis by defining the clinical stages and allowing appropriate and effective treatment.

Tobacco smoking patterns and differential food effects on prostate and breast cancers among smokers and nonsmokers in Córdoba, Argentina.

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of diet on prostate and breast cancer (PC and BC) risks in smokers and nonsmokers and to explore the effect modification between smoking and dietary patterns. PC or BC incidence rates were assessed spatially according to tobacco exposure, age-adjusted standardization using lung cancer mortality as a proxy. Two case-control studies were carried out in Argentina (2008-2012). Participants were interviewed about their diet, smoking habits, and other lifestyle factors. Multilevel models were fitted including family history of cancer as the random intercept for the second level, and diet and lifestyle variables as covariates. Tobacco exposure was aggregated spatially. Family history of cancer significantly accounts for PC and BC. In smokers, high intake of fat meat increased PC and BC risks [odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-3.05 and OR 6.01, 95% CI 1.99-8.19, respectively]. PC and BC risks were also greater in smokers with high intakes of fatty foods (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.09-3.50 and OR 24.2, 95% CI 0.82-7.21, respectively). Moderate intake of nonstarchy vegetables and risk of PC were inversely associated in nonsmokers (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.20-1.48). In smoker women, BC risk was associated with sweet drink consumption (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.10-7.92) and ethanol intake (OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.88-14.16). Spatial distributions of cancer incidence rates match those of tobacco exposure. Differential effects of diet on PC and BC risks were found in smokers and nonsmokers.

Overweight and obesity: a review of their relationship to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in South America.

Socioeconomic and demographic transformations are occurring very rapidly in some areas of the world, especially in South America, and are accompanied by changes in lifestyle, dietary patterns, and the epidemiological profile of prevalent diseases. This review examines whether obesity and overweight are related to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer in South America. Research carried out in more than 6,000 cases and controls was evaluated, along with most of the available publications related to South America. In South America, obesity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease are related mainly to aging, ethnicity effects, and preventable risky lifestyle conditions. Most of the studies that found an association between cancer and obesity are from the Southern Cone, the geographic area most affected by this pathology. Overall, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was highest in Chile, followed in decreasing order by Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador, with differences noted between urban and rural areas or between urban and periurban areas. Obesity and cancer may be preventable, at least in part, by healthy behavior; hence, exercise, weight control, and healthy dietary habits are important to reduce the risk of these major chronic diseases.

Dietary patterns and food groups are linked to the risk of urinary tract tumors in Argentina.

Epidemiological and laboratory research has shown that dietary components are associated with the risk of developing urinary tract tumors (UTT). The purpose of this case-control study, carried out between 2004 and 2008 in Córdoba, a Mediterranean city in Argentina, was to describe the role of dietary patterns and to investigate any association with the risk of developing UTT. One hundred and sixty-eight patients with histologically confirmed transitional UTT and 334 controls with acute, nonneoplastic, and nonurinary tract diseases from the same hospitals were studied. All patients were interviewed about their food habits and their exposure to a number of known or suspected risk factors for UTT. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to explore dietary patterns and data analyses were carried out by calculating odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals by using multiple logistic regression. Two main dietary patterns identified were a 'prudent' pattern that was linked to controls and a 'western' pattern that was associated with cases. A frequent intake of vegetable oils, lean meats, grains, and fruits, the moderate use of alcohol (mainly red wine) together with potato and sweet consumption, and the habit of taking at least four meals per day, were associated with a reduced risk for UTT. In contrast, frequent consumption of infusions (mainly maté), potatoes, alcohol, sweets, and processed meat resulted in a high risk for UTT. The dietary patterns of our population have a role in the development of UTT, thus implying that appropriate nutritional education may decrease this risk.

Cancer incidence pattern in Cordoba, Argentina.

Cancer is the second cause of death in Argentina; nevertheless the distribution of the cancer incidence rates throughout the country is unknown. This study was conducted to describe cancer incidence patterns in Córdoba Province. Incidence data were supplied by the Government Córdoba Cancer Registry. Demographic information (age, sex, and place of residence) and diagnosis, certified by a pathologist, about all incident cases from June 2003 to May 2005 by type and 5-year age groups were obtained. Comparison of the incidence rate of cancer in various counties was performed by using standardized incidence rates (SIR) per 100,000 inhabitants using the world standard population. Estimated SIRs were used to build up incidence maps. Two indicators were created: sex ratio and site-specific ratio. Mixed Poisson models were fitted. Taken as a whole for all counties, SIR was 121.42 and 141.57 for men and women, respectively. The most common sites in men were prostate (13.62), lung (10.12), colon (7.53), and bladder (7.03); in women were breast (22.51) and colon (3.31). The highest and lowest rates were in urban and rural areas, respectively. Cancer registry has a pivotal role in cancer control. Such information is the primary resource of information not only for epidemiological research on cancer determinants but also for planning and evaluating health services for the policies of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Meat cooking habits and risk of colorectal cancer in Córdoba, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is the third cause of death among women and the fifth among men in Córdoba, Argentina. We previously reported colorectal cancer to be associated with a high intake of fatty meats and bovine viscera and inversely associated with dietary fiber intake. In this study, we investigated the role of method of cooking meat and preferences in browned surfaces in the risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS: A case-control retrospective study was carried out by interviewing 296 patients and 597 control subjects with a food-frequency questionnaire. Meat consumption and preferred cooking procedures (boiled, roasted, barbecued, cooked in a flat iron-pan without fat, and fried) were investigated. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained by unconditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Barbecuing was the cooking method preferred by men, whereas iron-pan cooking was favored by women; frying was the least favored method. Fatty beef, sausages, and bovine viscera were preferentially barbecued or boiled, whereas lean beef was mainly roasted, iron-pan cooked, or fried. Chicken was barbecued or roasted. The multivariate relative risks (adjusted by age, sex, social stratum, and total energy intake) for preferring darkly browned surfaces were significantly associated with an increased risk for all cooking procedures (odds ratio, 4.57; 95% confidence interval, 3.10 to 6.73). No associations were found for red roasted or for boiled meats. CONCLUSION: Increased risk seems to be related to cooking temperature and close contact of the food to the heating source, because higher risks were observed for heavily browned surfaces when meats were barbecued or iron-pan cooked.

[Permanence of the piamontese culture on food practices in third generation descendants in Piamonte (Province of Santa Fe, Argentina)]. / Permanencia de la cultura piamontesa en las prácticas alimentarias de descendientes de tercera generación de la localidad de Piamonte (Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina).

This paper describes the influence of the piemontese culture on food practices of students living in Piamonte, Santa Fe, Argentina. Food practices of 96 students with Piamontese ancestry (PA) (n = 57) and without Piamontese ancestry (No-PA) (n = 39) were studied along 2002 using a self-administered questionnare. Data were analysed by Chi square test, Fisher's exact test, multiple correspondance analysis and logistic regression. Consumption of bagna cauda (p < 0.05) and polenta (p < 0.1) were higher among PA. Differences on the elaboration of polenta and pasta were found: PA add them cheese (p < 0.05) and cream (p < 0.05) whereas no-PA make use of meat (p < 0.05) and tomato sauce (p < 0.05), respectively. The frequency of consumption of traditional Piamontese meals and the role of the mother in the purchase, the elaboration and the serving of the food were similar on both groups. In conclusion, food practices of Piamontese's descendants recall the food culture of their ancestry with some reasonable adaptations to the local context.

Permanencia de la cultura piamontesa en las prácticas alimentarias de descendientes de tercera generación de la localidad de Piamonte (Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina). / [Permanence of the piamontese culture on food practices in third generation descendants in Piamonte (Province of Santa Fe, Argentina)]

This paper describes the influence of the piemontese culture on food practices of students living in Piamonte, Santa Fe, Argentina. Food practices of 96 students with Piamontese ancestry (PA) (n = 57) and without Piamontese ancestry (No-PA) (n = 39) were studied along 2002 using a self-administered questionnare. Data were analysed by Chi square test, Fishers exact test, multiple correspondance analysis and logistic regression. Consumption of bagna cauda (p < 0.05) and polenta (p < 0.1) were higher among PA. Differences on the elaboration of polenta and pasta were found: PA add them cheese (p < 0.05) and cream (p < 0.05) whereas no-PA make use of meat (p < 0.05) and tomato sauce (p < 0.05), respectively. The frequency of consumption of traditional Piamontese meals and the role of the mother in the purchase, the elaboration and the serving of the food were similar on both groups. In conclusion, food practices of Piamonteses descendants recall the food culture of their ancestry with some reasonable adaptations to the local context.

Characterization of meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer in Cordoba, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The Argentinean food pattern, rich in beef and fats and poor in fibers, may be related to an risk of increased colorectal cancer (CRC). To examine the relation between CRC risk and meat type, we carried out a case-control study in Córdoba, Argentina. METHODS: We interviewed 287 patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas and 566 control subjects admitted to the largest hospitals in greater Córdoba. Dietary habits were assessed by a food-frequency questionnaire, and different meat types were evaluated. Regression analyses determined the contribution of meat to total energy and macronutrients. Unconditional multiple logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Median intake of all meats, predominantly bovine, was high, reaching almost 300 g/d in men. Meats provided approximately 50% of total energy intake and 64% to 67% of total protein. Patients obtained significantly more cholesterol and total lipids from meats than did controls. Consumption of total meat, red meat, and other types of meat were not related to increased risk of CRC. However, an increased risk of CRC was found for those consuming relatively large amounts of cold cuts and sausages (OR, 1.47; CI, 1.02-2.15) and bovine viscera (OR, 1.73; CI, 1.18-2.54). Lean beef was associated with a decreased risk of CRC at the second (OR, 0.64; CI, 0.43-0.94) and third (OR, 0.67; CI, 0.40-0.97) tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: Red meat produced a different pattern of risk according to its fat content. Further studies should assess the possible role of cooking meat and other non-nutritional components.